Cigars...

[Dr Deco]

Hello readers:

DCS

I would be surprised if there was any effect of smoking on DCS since the tables, and gas loads, are conservative. It is true that nicotine is a vasoconstrictor and thereby effects a reduction in blood flow. One would immediately believe that this is intrinsically bad for off gassing. I am not aware of any study in which it was tested, however.

Diving tables have a wide margin of safety and nicotine probably is not a modifier of off gassing to any degree. In altitude work, DCS is more common, but pilots and astronauts do not smoke while in the cockpit or on spacewalks.

I would guess that if smoking affected DCS, we would have seen some correlation from the field in studies performed, e.g., by DAN.

Other Effects

Nicotine is not a harmless drug. It does promote relaxation, etc, but so does sitting down and having a glass of lemonade. As far as diving goes, the hydrating effect of lemonade is very beneficial - - more that a cigarette.

Cigarettes and not so good, but then neither is a sedentary lifestyle, beverage alcohol, too much table salt, and a lack of vegetables.

It is best to simply watch the excessive straining between dives and maintain hydration levels. :sprite10:


Dr Deco :doctor:

 

[DiveGolfSki]

Hello readers:

....Nicotine is not a harmless drug. It does promote relaxation, etc, but so does sitting down and having a glass of lemonade. As far as diving goes, the hydrating effect of lemonade is very beneficial - - more that a cigarette.

Cigarettes and not so good, but then neither is a sedentary lifestyle, beverage alcohol, too much table salt, and a lack of vegetables.

It is best to simply watch the excessive straining between dives and maintain hydration levels. :sprite10:


Dr Deco :doctor:

While not a complete sign off on cigar smoking, thanks for the advice. I can see it now: sitting on the bow of a dive boat, wind in my face, relaxing after a successful and safe dive, with a double R and a bear/beer/margarita/single malt/lemonade ... nice!

Course, I'll have all those non-smokers in the back of the boat complaining about the second hand smoke but ....

 

[HowardE]

Sit at the back of the boat, and people won't complain (as much)

 

[DiveGolfSki]

Sit at the back of the boat, and people won't complain (as much)

Along with the diesel or gas fumes, I guess people won't mind since it's downwind ... but the views are not as pretty but closer to the cooler.

 

[STOGEY]

Moderation is the key, even too much diving can be harmful.